If you’re going to put yourself through hell, you might as well do it in heaven, eh? I took a brave decision recently to take part in the P.S.P King of Forest. All things have limits, but one should always go beyond them. I was pretty excited to be able to do this! Running a trail run is very foreign to me, and I am no way a mountain goat!
The start line was very overwhelming. Hubby wished me “good luck and see you at the finish line” and bang we were off! I was surrounded by over 2000, probably all of them were pro and elite runners.There was everything the seasoned trail runner would want-uphills,single track and stream crossing. It had rained the night before, so parts of the trail were really muddy.
I was grateful for the opportunity to be in that moment at that time. So grateful for a body that allows me to do this, for a mind that chooses to push on when it hurts. So grateful for my other half who also shares my crazy love for running..the feeling was breathtaking!
The rolling elavation gave the runners a climb and descent adventure as they navigate the different distances of the trail. P.S.P King of Forest attracted a drove of runners from the newbie trail runners looking for a comfortable place to start their journey into trail running to the seasoned elite runners looking for competitive ambiance and their weekly milage. P.S.P King of Forest is a scenic haven for a trail run with well maintained trails and its own share of the wild and forested trails.
The trail into the 5km was probably the most treacherous, with a big up hill that were coated in mud by the time I got to them. What’s a trail run without muddy shoes? My shoes were caked with mud and I thought I might fall. I held onto trees and roots, I made it! The view..oh wow! I could see the KLCC Twin Towers…magnificent…It was tough, and steep, but wow the scenery was incredible!Like being inside a painting. I stopped to catch my breath and continued my journey….
The crowd around me definitely wasn’t shy about walking the uphills. And none of us could resist taking pictures. I met Gunawathy along the way and we ended up being “3 sekawan”- we rolled and climbed and slided and glided through amazing scenery. Doesn’t get much better than that! Chatting with her helped the miles go quick and it was nice having someone there to help keep the pace strong!
Our trail was well marked and there were marshalls to guide us throughout! There were also signages the entire route. A good amount of shade and aid/ water stations were efficient and a lot of fun! fun! fun! We also had a few easy water/streams crossings which was really awesome to hear the sounds of the water flowing-just like in a spa…the sounds of nature…
OVERALL:-
Rate rating: 5
Well-marked, pictureque and above all else, challenging! Small waves helped keep the trail from becoming too crowded.
Organization: 4
Plenty of parking. (Thank you, dear organizers for keeping our cars and properties safe) There were lots of RELA and Marshalls on stand by and on duty. Friendly and energetic organizers got the start, finish and awards off without hitch.
Overall: Recommended Trail Run
The right amount of punishment and reward! Very well-coordinated for the first annual.
Off road running is just……different! Road and trail are pretty far removed from each other. I love both in different ways. Leave your headphones at home, take off the watch, ditch the phone and let your inner “Jedi” use the trail running force!
Trail running will change you for the better, and when you get home, you’ll feel the benefit of the trail’s nature therapy.
All in all it was such a magical experience!
chrisywong.com 